Johnuel “Boogie” Fland caught the Kentucky coaching staff’s eye during the 2022 U17 FIBA World Cup, helping lead Team USA to a gold medal in Spain. Not even entering his junior year in high school at the time, the 6-foot-3 guard out of White Plains, NY averaged 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game off the bench. A scholarship offer from John Calipari came shortly after his arrival back to the States.
It was a moment that put a smile on the playmaking guard’s face.